Dear Library Patrons,

Thank you for your continued interest and support of our wonderful public library. Today I am excited to share with you this recent Ambler Gazette article regarding the very recent action by the Upper Dublin Township Board of Commissioners to purchase the vacant two-story building (former pharma company offices) at 520 Virginia Drive. Once completed, the building acquisition will lead to numerous positive impacts for every library user in our community and is in line with the Township’s comprehensive long range plan.  Less than 1.5 miles from the current site, and the high school, 520 Virginia Drive is actually closer to the geographic center of the Township, making it even more accessible to residents.

A significant township-wide, public engagement process will soon unfold regarding all the possible uses – including those library-related – for the 520 Virginia Drive site. You may already be aware of our many facility-centered challenges when it comes to our services. Locally-based citizen groups are also limited when it comes to Township meeting spaces. While a range of library building options – including on-site expansion and construction of a new, freestanding structure – have been explored over the years, none of those appear nearly as operationally beneficial, and cost-efficient, as the one now presented through the re-adaptive use of 520 Virginia Drive.

The UDPL now has the opportunity to dramatically improve library services for everyone, which includes:

• Creating a dedicated children’s area designed for early literacy through elementary learning that can accommodate more families, more accessible books and other collections.
• Adding significantly more space for quiet reading, research and study for users of all ages.
• Using a state-of-the-art auditorium (300-plus seats) for library events, and other township activities, by way of promoting civic engagement and lifelong learning.

These are very early days and there’s much work to be done as well as many more decisions to be made. I will continue to post updates via the UDPL enews (register here) and blog. Community input is vital for the success of this project.

In the meantime, if you are interested in being notified of ways you can participate in this project, please let us know. Email upperdublinlibrary@mclinc.org (Subject line: 520 Virginia Drive).

Cheri Fiory, Library Director